Kristopher “Shorty” Clark

Funeral services for 56-year old Kristopher “Shorty” Clark of Crawford, NE, are Sat Jan 14, 2023 at 10:00 at the Crawford Community Building. 

A reception to celebrate Shorty’s life will follow at The Tailgate Bar in Crawford. Please wear your Husker attire for one last GO BIG RED! 

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial for the Crawford Volunteer Fire Department and Crawford Senior Pro Rodeo. Donations can be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Kristopher “Shorty” Henry Clark was born December 29, 1966, in Chadron, NE, to George and Jacque Lyn Lindeken Clark. He died January 7th, 2023, in Greely, CO. 

Shorty lived the first two years of his life in Whitney, NE, before his family moved to Marsland, NE. They relocated one more time to Crawfordwhen Shorty was in 3rd grade. 

Throughout Shorty’s youth. he loved sports. From the baseball diamond to the wrestling mats and out to the 50-yard line, you could find him with a smile on his face. 

Some of his favorite memories were made on the blacktop during impromptu basketball games or playing football with the neighbors.

Shorty always said there are 3 kinds of cowboys in the world – the genuine, the wannabes and the have to’s. Shorty fell into the have-to category due to having to have a job. 

He started working at Fort Robinson State Park as a wrangler while in high school where you could hear him yelling “Grab your horn” or as Bertha, “I wanna ride the hide!”

While juggling work and school, Shorty still managed to participate in both football and wrestling at high levels. He held center and nose guard positions on the football team and was a state qualifier in wrestling. Kris graduated from Crawford High School in May of 1985 and then attended Hastings College in Hastings, NE.

That was followed by the start of his on-air personality in 1987 at KZMC 105.3 in McCook, NE. After that, Shorty bounced around until he found himself returning to Crawford to work as a bartender in 1993. 

Being a bartender, you never knew how many people he would meet and run into. From California at a ball game to being in Lincoln enjoying the Huskers, there was bound to be someone he knew. It was also behind the bar that he met his future wife Echo and the two married on November 29, 1999. 

From the bar scene, Shorty moved to a more fulfilling job working at the Office of Human Development helping adults with disabilities every day. He always had the clients laughing and rocking the van which made them all love him. 

He often bragged on how amazing his job was with the biggest smile on his face, because he got to help other people and made a difference in their lives. 

Upon his passing, he was able to make a difference in over 25 people’s lives by being a donor. Shorty would have been beaming from ear to ear knowing the impact he made.

Shorty is survived by his wife Echo; his sons Grant (Elizabeth) Wasserburger and Caleb (Lindsey) Studnicka, his daughter Katrina (Shane Vifquain) Studnicka; his four grandchildren Brayden, Lucus, Teagyn and Rowan; his brothers Kacey (Diane) Clark, Kirby (Michelle) Clark, and Karl (Janella) Clark; his sisters Kim Clark and Kathy (Kent) Kennedy and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father George, mother Jacque, and brother Kory.

Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements for Shorty Clark

8 thoughts on “Kristopher “Shorty” Clark”

  1. I am so very sorry . I didn’t have the opportunity to know Shorty but feel like I did I ve heard so much about him and what a fantastic person he was . Sending prayers and hugs to family .

    • Thank you Connie ❤️We appreciate your condolences. He Had a huge heart and no one was a stranger to him. He was a a fun loving younger brother that loved and cared for his family and friends. He was just like George clark(Dad)

  2. Kim,
    I am saddened to learn about Shorty passing away. Please know that my thoughts and prayers go out to you and all your family. I didn’t know him that well but we always would visit when we ran into each other. He gave me a ride one day when he saw me walking down the street. He was a caring person with a personal touch. He will be missed.

  3. So sorry to hear of Shorty’s passing. We had a lot of fun when we worked together at the corner bar. He will be missed by so Meny of his family and friends. Prayers are going your way. RIP.

  4. Wow, sorry to see this. Shorty was a great friend to have and be around. He would always make you laugh and just keep everyone in good spirits! So many fond memories, he is missed by many I know.

  5. so sorry to hear about this. Loved being around Shorty he was a lot of fun. Was really good friends with his parents, My kids worked with him our at Fort Robinson.

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